Sleeper Watch

With the NFL season still in the distance, and only predictions and projections to lead the way, I’d like to take a stand and tell you why I think Jamal Lewis and Cadillac Williams may be two of the biggest sleepers in fantasy football this year.

The main reason I believe in Jamal this season would be the acquisition of Eric Steinbach. I believe Eric was one of the main reasons Rudi Johnson had so many yards in Cincinnati. Eric could provide these same open lanes and yardage opportunity for Lewis as well. With this open lane in mind, reason two would have to be Joe Thomas. Yes I know he is a rookie, but with Cleveland taking him so high in the draft, I have a feeling we will be hearing plenty about his efforts this season. This would greatly improve Jamal’s chances for success this season. Jamal’s fantasy value has slipped drastically this season, as you can find him on the draft boards as late as the fifth round. Don’t be fooled by this decline in status! I believe the lack of a consistent passing game last year in Baltimore was a major factor here. Steve McNair was hurt, Todd Heap was hurt, and Derrick Mason put up very sub par numbers. I believe this led to the opposing defense being able to load up on the run. This gave Jamal a full day of work trying to squeeze out 70-80 yards. So although Jamal had a lack of consistent 100 yard games, he did manage to rack up 1132 yards and nine touchdowns. While the Browns lack a true veteran quarterback to smooth the Brady Quinn transition, which in turn could defuse from Jamal’s running game, I believe he still has the tools to put up the same numbers as last year. Up and beyond is the only place left to go in my opinion. However, this theory will be put to the test early, as the Browns play three division rivals in the first four games. If they get by these games and Jamal stays healthy, I can see a greatly rejuvenated and successful running game in Cleveland, lead by none other than Jamal Lewis.

I have already done several mock drafts this year with the intent of trying to find that one player I can wait on that will make my team solid. After reviewing a few expert drafts as well as my own, I believe I have found one more of these players. His name is Cadillac Williams.
With the 35th overall pick in the second round of this year’s draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted OL Arron Sears. Sears won the Jacob’s blocking award for being the best blocker in the SEC. Now why am I talking about Sears? Well he just happens to be one of the hottest topics in Tampa at the moment.

Yes this probably adds some pressure for the rookie to perform, but coach Gruden has dubbed this kid a “natural” already. I believe the added faith in him, plus his game smarts, and his dexterous body (that has loads of lower body strength) will open many lanes for Cadillac. The chances for this seem greatly increased, as last year’s starting left guard Dan Buenning is expected to compete for the starting center job, thus opening the way for Sears to get his future off the ground immediately. With Luke Petitgout and Sears on the left side and Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood on the right side, it appears in the last two years that the Bucs have done very well in addressing the O-line, and have given Cadillac Williams as well as the Bucs a chance to succeed. Williams can be had as late as the fourth round of drafts, giving you the opportunity to round your team out nicely and still grab a solid #2 running back.

I have to thank Katherine Smith of the Tampa Tribune, who’s article “Sears understands Buc’s expectations” gave me the idea as well as information in which to base my Cadillac portion of my article.

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